Demand-Responsive Air Conditioner Control for Peak Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners consume significant electricity, especially during peak hours, leading to increased energy demand and necessitating a solution to regulate electricity usage effectively in response to electricity regulation signals.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system that includes an electricity reception device to extract and process electricity regulation signals, allowing the air conditioner to adjust its operation by controlling the compressor's frequency or powering it on/off, and prioritizing indoor units based on signal levels, thereby reducing overall electricity consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air conditioner operates at full capacity to meet cooling or heating demands, then the indoor temperature comfort is maintained, but electricity consumption increases significantly during peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner dynamically adjusts its operation based on received control signals. The controller modifies compressor operation, fan speed, and heat exchanger activity in response to varying demand conditions, transitioning from static full-capacity operation to dynamic demand-responsive operation that reduces energy consumption while maintaining temperature comfort when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as compressor frequency, fan rotation speed, and heat exchanger temperature differentials based on received control signals. These parameter adjustments allow the system to operate at reduced capacity during peak electricity demand periods while still providing adequate temperature regulation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioner reduces operation to lower electricity consumption, then energy demand is reduced, but the ability to maintain indoor temperature comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner implements feedback control by continuously monitoring indoor temperature and comparing it against target values. The controller adjusts system operation based on temperature deviations, ensuring that energy reduction actions do not compromise temperature comfort below acceptable thresholds. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond adaptively to both temperature conditions and energy demand signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling or heating actions in advance of peak demand periods when electricity consumption is lower. By pre-conditioning the indoor environment during off-peak hours, the air conditioner can reduce or suspend operation during peak periods while still maintaining acceptable temperature comfort, thereby reducing overall energy consumption during high-demand periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces electricity consumption by dynamically adjusting the air conditioner's operation in response to electricity regulation signals, minimizing peak demand without requiring user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
once high-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant undergoes expansion and evaporation in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, thereby lowering a temperature of surrounding air
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant undergoes expansion and evaporation in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit
Implementation Method 4
the high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is liquefied in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit
Implementation Method 5
The resulting cold air is then discharged into a room via rotation of an indoor unit fan
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Disclosed is an air conditioner including an outdoor unit configured to implement heat exchange of refrigerant, at least one indoor unit configured to implement exchange of refrigerant with the outdoor unit and air conditioning of indoor air, and an electricity reception device configured to receive an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage and to transmit a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit, which has received the level signal, controls operation of the at least one indoor unit connected thereto based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.